Having danced/performed for well over half my life, when a co-worker had mentioned to me that the famous Radio City Rockettes' would be performing their holiday tour in Seattle, I jumped at the chance to go see them. Deciding to not put my significant other through the experience (aren't I nice?) I treated both fellow Popchix Founder, Pinksage and contributor Miss Tique to tickets as well, as though both have previously lived in and around New York City, neither had seen the Rockettes perform. (Plus it got me out of having to figure out what gifts for them!) As the plan for the tickets changed slightly after I went ahead and bought them, we were in a theatre's version of 'nosebleed' section, but thanks to the excellent design of The Paramount, we had a completely unobstructed view - even if we couldn't quite see the faces clearly. Next time I'll buy slightly closer tickets...heh.
The show opened with the first of twelve "scenes", with a team of Reindeer Rockets getting ready to pull Santa's sleigh. Santa himself would continue to act as the show's Narrator for the majority of the following scenes, which loosely connected to a story arc of Santa getting himself ready to go out and deliver presents. We were momentarily confused as the "Reindeer" appeared to be singing, before Miss Tique reminded me that the Rockettes are not just precision dancers, but also must be able to sing - at least with a group. Additional cast members who were more dedicated to the vocal side of things were introduced with the next two numbers, giving the Rockettes ample time to change and catch their breath before they were back onstage for the forth scene, a visual rendition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas", tapped out Rockette style.
The fifth scene caused the audience some momentary confusion, as Santa briefly left the stage and walked down into the audience, bringing "Juliet" back on stage to sit onstage for a interesting rendition of The Nutcracker - danced entirely by Bears. Having danced in performances of this particular ballet for many years myself, I can honestly say I will never think of the "Chinese Suite" the same way - clearly, it is meant to be danced by Pandas. It was around this time that Miss Tique leaned over to me and pointed out that the 'little girl' had disappeared off stage (I was laughing too hard at the Cossack Bears at this point to notice). She emerged from offstage moments later, and was revealed to be an audience plant, as she was dressed in both tutu and point shoes, which ruined the effect for both myself and Miss Tique - although the young dancer cannot be faulted for her dance ability.
"The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is one of two traditional inclusions in the Christmas Spectacular, having been performed in the show since 1933. This was the number that blew me away, with not a single dancer out of step, out of turn or out of time. And with 28 dancers on stage all in constant motion turning in a precision pinwheel, it's is an incredible sight to behold.
After intermission, came the scene that disappointed me the most. We were introduced to Mrs. Clause, who was portrayed as a sniveling, weepy woman who couldn't do a thing on her own to help her husband's toy shop production. Perhaps I'm simply too used to strong female characters, but come on, they've been married and doing this gig for how long? Certainly the woman would know how to lift a finger and keep things organized - what else would she do during the other 364(5) days of the year? Bake cookies constantly? Surely she'd get bored eventually...
Feminist instincts aside, the second act was a continuation of excellent performance, and we enjoyed ourselves up until the last scene which threw all of us for a loop. As is my habit when attending a performance of any kind, I had glanced through the program prior to the curtain going up, and the description for the final scene had made me pause momentarily.
"The presentation of "The Living Nativity" upholds a tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, and has been a revered part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular since 1933."
Ok, I said to myself, this is going to be an interesting end to the performance. And it was.
Beginning with Santa narrating the story of The Nativity and complete with a live Donkey, 4 Sheep (one of whom clearly wanted nothing more than to be offstage) and two Camels, while it was beautifully portrayed and well narrated, the last scene felt out of place with the rest of the show's vibrancy - however traditional its inclusion may be. Upon reflection, its placement as the final scene is most likely designed to remind the audience that the holiday season did and does entail more than just the flashy wrapping paper and desire for gifts.
I hope your holiday season has been filled with light, love and laughter!